Unexpected Cargo (A Colt Dawson Novel Book 1)

Unexpected Series

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A modern-day fable about believing in yourself — and flying wherever you want to go. Rhythmic verse and gentle illustrations of simple everyday pleasures in this counting journey both soothe and delight. Meet Cuddle Bear — the unforgettable hero with hugs for everyone! Cuddle Bear has plenty of hugs to go around. Can Oscar catch him before the witching hour is up? Enter a magical world where dinosaurs and knights have come to life in this fact-filled, lift-the-flap caper! He can conjure up a bunny, a chicken and even the king of the jungle! But can he make a dragon disappear?

A wonderfully funny alphabet adventure filled with letters, magic and vibrant color. Climb inside while you still can with Dan, Beep! A wonderful read-aloud rhyming tale about finding and being a friend — whoever you are, wherever you are. Which dog are you like? Check the mirror in the back of the book to see. Or just doggone happy to have a new dog book to share? While Farmer Dougal sleeps, Sheep and his animal friends board the tractor and take turns making noises. By John Kane Ages: Every day Jessica brings her cardboard box filled with something different to share.

Until, finally, she discovers that all she truly needs to share is herself. What if they laugh? Until finally, Jonathan James has a question of his own: Bright, simple illustrations, rounded corners and cardstock pages make it perfect for the very young. Shake, stir, mix, bake. This little dinosaur just loves cake! Patrick Lewis rejoices in this calendar of dizzy days, celebrating them all in poetic style. Billy and Bee have so much fun at playgroup! Everyone will want to go too! Bright and friendly illustrations and simple, gentle text capture the the range of emotions that come with new experiences.

A friendly retelling just right for reading aloud with two perforated punch-out masks to let little ones play along. Ludwig and his friends live in a book, but Ludwig yearns to explore the universe. Kitten lovers will cheer with Fran as she eagerly learns lots of tips to keep her new kitten healthy and happy. Sam really wants a puppy, but first he must learn how to care for one - a heartwarming story from a renowned vet introducing the joys and responsibilities of owning a pet. This picture book with its simple rhyming text not only presents basic colors, but also helps children explore and understand emotions and feelings through them, fostering discussion and inspiring the budding artist.

Arnold the pink lion lives an idyllic life with his flamingo family, until a group of lions comes along… A funny and friendly picture book with a heartwarming story about always being yourself. He really needs his sleep. Packed with amazing vehicles competing in this energetic no-holdsbarred race, children will love poring over the detailed spreads long after the race has finished … The perfect book for children that love vehicles!

With a simple, easy-to-follow structure and bold, quirky imagery, this picture book allows young readers to choose their own characters, settings and plots in an imaginative, unique storytelling experience. A rollicking, rhyming text filled with action and noise that begs to be read aloud, combines with playful, energetic art to make this one perfect for story time … or anytime!

The companion title to Paint Me a Picture, this book celebrates the joy, imagination and value in storytelling in all its forms, inspiring the writer and artist in everyone. By Kathryn Dennis Ages: What do worms eat? So he sets off to find the answers, until finally a wise man points Mouse to the one place that has them all - the library. Illustration from Too Many Questions! This rollicking, rhyming garden story will have readers tapping their toes as they count the too-many tomatoes overgrowing the garden, the building, the block … and more!

Open the book one way to explore the town scene and then flip the book over to delve into the country landscape. A mini glossary for each main image features tiny pictures picked out from the main scene. An intricate, factfilled pop-up book full of surprises! Go on a journey of discovery in this innovative pop-up book that includes the lush rain forest, a mysterious underwater kingdom and the secret world beneath the streets.

Under the snowy mountain, animals have dug burrows in which to hibernate, and deep under the ground you can find hidden treasures such as ancient artifacts and dinosaur fossils. A short synopsis followed by a simple, illustrated narrative introduces ten classic ballets. Then comes the fun of trying to spot the characters in the detailed spreads that follow along with the special ballerina gracefully pirouetting in each one!

Spot William Shakespeare and a selection of his colorful characters from ten of his best-loved plays! Includes illustrated synopses and search-and-find spreads. With so many fun things, how will Danny decide what to do today? But will his bad mood spoil the whole day? Jack is feeling angry because his best friend got the solo that he wanted.

But when things go wrong on concert night, can Jack save the day? He really wants to kick a goal, but the coach has made him goalie. Jack has made the best robot suit for a costume party. But will the other kids think a homemade costume is silly? What will happen if he leaves it until the last minute? But will Jack let his worrying get in the way of having fun? But will he be able to face his fears and still have an awesome time? Can they work together to win? They have heaps of fun together! But what happens when Billie comes back? But what will he do when his best friend is too sick to come?

When Jack hurts his ankle, he tries really hard not to cry. Surely he can be braver than that! Jack loves camping at the beach. He can sleep in a tent, make campfires and go exploring! But will his adventures take him too far? Jack is selling his old toys to make some pocket money. But when he sees other kids having fun with his stuff, will he regret the whole idea?

But is Billie really cut out to be a ballerina? If only everyone would listen to her! How can Billie prove that girls can play soccer, too? And maybe just a little bit scary. Are they really big enough to camp all on their own? Billie is the best hairdresser ever! She has lots of fun things planned!

Now she just has to wait for her friends to show up …. But now Rebecca wants to be her best friend. Will Billie have to choose? Billie is going on a plane to visit her grandma! They are going to do so many fun things together. Nothing can go wrong with this vacation Billie finds a tiny bottle at the beach. Is there a secret message from a pirate? Billie has a broken arm! Especially if she adds in a crocodile …. Billie has to keep everything away from him.

Especially the tower she made for her school project! But what happens when the new girl starts to copy everything Billie does? Will Billie be too scared to swim in the deep end? They make her feel so grown up!

But is Billie grown up enough to handle the scary movies they like? Brown and her friends explore the mystery of the spooky house at the end of the street. It seems to be written in code! Billie and the Secret Mystery Club have a new case to solve: Everyone suspects Benny, but could they all be wrong? Could it be the gardener?

Or the neighbor who just made a huge batch of strawberry jam? Who would have done such a terrible thing? The SMC is on the case! Billie and the Secret Mystery Club have been given a very important case to solve for the principal at school -- a missing time capsule! Lily is frightened when the midnight owl hoots during the night. She thinks the midnight owl sounds friendly. Will Lily always be afraid of him? Lily loves the ring she finds in the moss garden. It makes a wonderful wading pool. But the ring belongs to a small human. Will Lily have to return it?

So she wishes on a dandelion seed for a real princess crown. Will her wish come true? Lily wants to play her new silver elf flute at the Grand Elf Concert. But she can only make horrible whiffling sounds with it. Will she get to play at the concert? Today he begins his first case as an undercover police dog. Today Fizz starts his training to become an undercover police dog. The police dog tryouts were hard, and skills training will be even harder. Stamp is having a pawfectly wonderful time driving around Australia with his owner, James, and his terrier friend Ace, meeting new friends and ending up on some wild adventures, too!

Some tourists are lost in the hot and dusty desert of the outback. Jeanie and I called her. When Diamond escapes from a moving van, all the animals in Jeandabah panic. Magnus the kitten is cute and cuddly, but terrified of dogs. Six crazy cars, five outlandish courses, one winner … buckle up for Wheelnuts! These fast-paced, hilarious stories feature crazy characters and outrageous racetracks.

Something strange is happening in the Welsh mountains. It should be the middle of summer, but Snowdonia has been besieged by blizzards and ice storms. The only remaining hope is a secret troop of yeti agents — the Mythical 9th Division. A mad scientist is plotting to destroy the world. With the Mermen of the Mythical 3rd Division out of action, it falls to the Mythical 9th to stop him from creating the biggest tsunami the world has ever seen. The team must travel to New York and beyond to save humanity before it goes up in smoke.

The heat is on as someone seems to be melting the polar ice cap. Special Agent EJ12 needs to leap into action. Special Agent EJ12 needs to lighten up. SHINE knows they are planning something, but how are they sending their messages? EJ12 must find the spy — and the missing invention, and represent her school team in the soccer match! What could the filming of a new action movie have to do with the water supply? Can I trust you? But things are getting complicated. An insightful and inspiring book about the effect of cancer on families.

Jack still loves photography, surfing, and his crazy family, and things are going well until he notices that his best friend Christopher is starting to miss school and hiding out and avoiding everyone. And when a soccer game turns ugly, Jack knows that, again, the bullying has to stop.

Sam and Nissa must face one ordeal after another to survive against incredible odds. Sam fights to keep his head above water and Nissa out of the jaws of certain death. Sam is isolated in the mountains during a horrific bushfire. To survive, he must rely on his courage, ingenuity, and the help of Chainsaw — a crazy, old rodeo bull! When Sam and his friend are swept off the coast of the Great Barrier Reef, Sam must fight to keep them from drowning. Then, as night falls over the inky black ocean, the underwater predators start moving in When the roof collapses on Sam and his brother during a caving expedition, his brother is trapped!

Will Sam make it past the angry scorpions and other deadly obstacles to save his brother? What starts as a joy ride turns into a life-or-death struggle. He needs medical attention — fast! After an emergency landing in Antarctica, Sam Fox and his younger brother are stranded on a wobbly ice floe. A creature with huge jaws, and rows and rows of teeth … and then there are the pirates …. With some people seriously injured, Sam and two cubs must set off to find help. They are thousands of miles from home, in the middle of the wilderness … a wilderness full of howling wolves, and a massive, unpredictable grizzly bear What starts as a joyride turns into a life-or-death struggle when Jordan is bitten by a Sydney funnel-web spider.

Will Sam be able to land the balloon in time to save his brother? But these are no ordinary rats. And the latest intergalactic visitor is the most terrifying yet. Amelia and Charlie get caught in a time loop, forced to live the same day over and over. Each loop brings them closer to catching a suspicious alien visitor — but also closer to danger. Will everyone finally learn about her mysterious past — or are things not quite what they seem? Could this be the end of the Gateway Hotel … and the world? Wild adventures lie ahead! The evil Grabbem Industries are illegally drilling for oil in the Antarctic — but how are they getting away with it?

But what if it means splitting up? Fourteen-year-old Quinn is shocked to be chosen as mapmaker for the captain of a ship on a race to bring the king a map of the whole globe. After Quinn is betrayed and captured by a ruthless explorer, he struggles to outwit his captors, makes new enemies and unexpected allies, and encounters bloodthirsty pirates. But sometimes the biggest danger can lie close to home. Four unlikely heroes are forced on a perilous quest to save their people.

Only they can find the four impossible elements needed to wake the sleeping warriors of the legend. The unicorn leads them into the darkness of the Witchwood, where they meet Wilda the witch. Can she be trusted? Only one item remains on their impossible quest—the scale of a sea-serpent. Quinn, Sebastian, Elanor and Tom have finally won the four crucial pieces of the prophecy. But time is running out. Back now at Wolfhaven, they search desperately for the sleeping heroes who they hope will save them all.

Sebastian and Elanor seek help from Crowthorne Castle, but both allies and enemies will reveal themselves. Tom and Quinn venture into the mysterious moors Britta is now aboard the Star of Deltora with her three rivals for the Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship. Ahead lie the perilous, forbidden swamplands of Two Moons. Kitty MacLean has been crushing on Rio Sanchez —the cutest boy in the world.

It looks like she might never get a chance to hang out with him until …. The Star of Deltora has escaped Illica, but the shadows that haunt the ship are deepening, and strange currents are sweeping the Star into grave danger. Having always wanted to be a trader like her now-disgraced father, Britta seizes the chance to compete to join the crew of the Star of Deltora.

Kenny Blackwood arrives in Tokyo to discover a destiny he had never dreamed of and a hidden war that is about to explode. Ancient monsters bite off more than they can chew in this action-packed fantasy-adventure trilogy set in modern-day Japan. Science meets myth when ogres armed with high-tech weaponry steal a huge telescope as part of an insane plan to cast the world into permanent darkness. With global catastrophe looming, Kenny and Kiyomi take the fight to the enemy, even though it means going out of this world.

An extraordinary story of a journey where pain and trauma become triumph and a passion for living, Butterflies is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the fighter in all of us. Olga da Polga is a little guinea pig with big ideas! She methodically dissects and debunks the rampant fearmongering This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the anxieties that occupy American politics. Conley hits the mark on a story line that feels both high-stakes and fine-tuned.

What entices and endures here is the voice: Positive Library Journal This book will help readers understand how ecosystems have been affected by climate change and how inaction has potentially doomed further generations. A passionate, emotional ode to the wonders of our dying planet and to those who, hopelessly or not, dedicate their lives to trying to save it. The hopelessness this book engenders makes its intended audience and scope of readership unclear. The author understands the role of police A clearly argued, sure-to-be-controversial book.

Delightful nonsense that will lift a lot of spirits. Rave Kirkus A vibrant epistolary collage with pieces of satire, romance, and family drama overlapping Positive Publishers Weekly [An] endearing epistolary novel for the modern age Positive Publishers Weekly Palmer Curiosity about who Molly will choose—if anyone—turns the pages as much as the other elements of her life Love, jealousy, and friendship are explored in well-crafted prose that is sometimes bright and sassy, at other times maudlin.

Nevertheless, this novel is fun and consistently satisfying. Kamal can be heavy-footed where Austen was light, plodding where Austen was quicksilver. Her insights are pointed and smart. Put your feet up and enjoy it Positive Publishers Weekly Kinsella offers another winning novel Positive Kirkus Kinsella creates a charming story full of quirky characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue.

Fixie is a likable character, one readers will root for as she learns to take control of her own life Positive Kirkus In these brightly written, sometimes repetitive pages, the author explains how norms and their enforcement can help us better understand organizations and households as well as nations Gelfand offers many intriguing observations A useful and engaging take on human behavior. Positive Kirkus A withering broadside against the immaturity that infests American politics, revealing itself in populism and demagoguery.

Both the left and the right take it on the chin in this tough-minded analysis Though his book is very much about the collective childishness of American political discourse, the title is somewhat misleading. It is not just petulance that infects our politics, but also a plague of misguided populism and demagoguery that feeds on ignorance, fear, and a persistent current of racism. Though Wolfe sometimes wants to have it both ways and may be too trusting of the motives of elites, this is a persuasive and alarming book. Positive Publishers Weekly Abel Her worldbuilding is complex, and detailed backmatter provides crucial details conspicuously absent from the story itself, including a helpful history of hoverderby and background information about the colonization of Mars.

Since most of the exposition occurs after the last panel, it leaves the offering feeling out of balance. And scenes featuring DMT trips are rendered in graphic-novel form, an inventive touch. Still, Welsh tends toward the gassy, with detours into soccer and a weak subplot involving a cop stalking Begbie. His characters have endearingly messy lives, but the mess is often in the prose, too.

Welsh still overflows with predicaments to thrust his antiheroes into, for better and for worse. Positive Publishers Weekly History professor Hockenos Hill continues to split her focus between exploring procedural conventions and showing her hero as he builds a family, emphasizing his development over his caseload. Mixed Publishers Weekly Uneven Credible characters and plenty of atmosphere make up only in part for short, choppy chapters and an underwhelming finale. Positive Kirkus McCulloch provides an honest and sensitive portrayal of family dysfunction as well as an evocation of a dying world of old-money wealth and privilege.

A poignantly intimate memoir. Positive Publishers Weekly Contains enough greatness to recover from sometimes repetitious narratives Those who like unsparing depictions of prison and the men who inhabit its lower rungs with little hope will be rewarded. At times, the novel seems interested in exploring the toxic masculinity and broken upbringings of its characters and the horrific consequences of their actions; at others, it opts for a more grindhouse approach.

Fforde writes in the acknowledgments that he hopes to return to a quicker publishing schedule, but this wonderful tale was well worth the wait Whip-smart, tremendous fun, and an utter delight from start to finish. Positive Publishers Weekly Moving Mixed Kirkus Gray manages a large cast of characters with ease, sharply differentiating between the voices of hardheaded Althea, shrewd Viola, and hesitating Lillian, who narrate the novel in alternating chapters. Scenes of Althea attending Bible study in jail and grappling with her faith tend to drag and read as extraneous to the more pressing family dramas at hand A deep dive into the shifting alliances and betrayals among siblings.

Rave Kirkus A deliciously gossipy take on colonial safari culture Another witty, elegant story from a writer whose atavistic vision of romantic love is resonant and deeply satisfying. Positive Publishers Weekly The scene glows, like a painting in primary color. Deep in the forest a dark and subtle magic is taking place, and thereby hangs this impressive tale, taut with the thrill of the hunt and the spell of the unknown. Amusing and often painful items best taken in small doses.

Positive Kirkus A playful book Many of the anecdotes are hilarious He heeds his own advice to entertaining effect. Rave Kirkus These imperfect characters are continually intriguing The stories are linked not only by their common location, but also by recurring players, which allows for unexpected, additional character development Engaging stories that highlight extraordinary moments in the lives of ordinary people.

Positive Kirkus From diving deep into FBI documents to repeatedly visiting the country and tracking down the shadowy protagonists, Pullara does a fine job of sleuthing to get at what he believes is the truth. Positive Publishers Weekly Wiest, a history professor at University of Southern Mississippi, offers something rare in the literary canon of the Vietnam War: Wiest writes well and with empathy for what the women went through. Positive Kirkus A focused A painful yet impressive account of the effects of war on the families left behind. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.

Positive Kirkus Darkly engrossing Maren draws the reader into a world of shifting allegiances, small-town bigotry, draining poverty, pervasive substance abuse, and secrets as destructive as the blasts used in fracking on the property down the road from the farm. The author skillfully handles a dual plot, alternating chapters set in the near-present and 20 years before.

This impressive first novel combines beautifully crafted language and a steamy Southern noir plot to fine effect. The problems, like the characters, are underdeveloped. As the novel progresses, Wes uncovers repressed family secrets so horrendous that the reader might find some passages difficult to read. Rather than delve into arguments over the causes of autism, the authors focus on awareness and the need for support A touching and at times traumatic family story, but always positive and told with love.

Positive Publishers Weekly An unflinching account of parenthood Occasionally harrowing yet healing and transformative, this memoir of love and faith shows no situation is beyond hope. Positive Publishers Weekly Informative This biography is sure to appeal particularly to those interested in the history of the Cold War and the contributions of LGBTQ people in American government. Mixed Kirkus In his debut book, the author alternates between these two secret lives; neither portion is notably successful This is an emotional tour de force and a thoughtful, deliberate examination of personal tragedy and the possibility of redemption.

However, the novel is long on rumination and summary, short on dialogue and forward momentum. The timing of the personal revelations seems arbitrary or, at best, anticlimactic. The weather and Paris are the main attractions here, not the people. Positive Publishers Weekly Excellent Highly complex characters and a stunning conclusion make this a winner.

Mixed Publishers Weekly Decent if flawed Boone is slow to move from creepy to terrifying, so that the final confrontation seems rushed. Positive Kirkus Patriarchy—it hurts men, too! Anyone who believes in true love or is simply willing to accept it as the premise of a winding tale will find this debut an emotional, satisfying read. Readers who like quirky love stories will be satisfied by this cinematic novel.

Positive Kirkus Whatever the premise, Jhabvala is interested in binaries; poverty plays a foil to wealth, India to Europe, age to youth, family to the individual Positive Publishers Weekly Intense, ambitious An evocative coming-of-age novel that captures the fear, rage, and yearning of three women growing up in a time of heightened violence.

Positive Publishers Weekly Witty Mixed Kirkus The prevailing mood is ambivalence That kind of wheel-spinning drains the action from the story. And as any writing teacher will tell you, the success of a story rests on the action that its central character brings to it But this reality is conveyed with slack language and a piling on of plot turns out of Single White Female or Fatal Attraction , which seems especially bewildering from Sims, the author of four well-regarded collections of poetry. In fact, the novel has some of its most original and electric moments when the narrator dives into the edgy poems she teaches her students.

In this tightly plotted novel, Sims takes the reader fully into the mind of a woman becoming increasingly unhinged, and turns her emotionally fraught journey into a provocative tale about the dangers of coveting what belongs to another. Rave Kirkus The book operates on both physical and spiritual levels, presenting thought-provoking and sage observations about the nature of loneliness and jealousy, among other things. A deeply original book that will have readers laughing at, angry with, and feeling compassion for a determined hero who endeavors to create his own destiny.

Rave Publishers Weekly Unforgettable His invention, combining Igbo folklore and Greek tragedy in the context of modern Nigeria, makes for a rich, enchanting experience. Rave Publishers Weekly Abdulali brings precision, clarity, and style to her exploration of a topic often treated as more confusing than it is Positive Kirkus At once direct and nuanced, unblinking yet subtle Susan Brownmiller, vitally updated.

The novel ends on a redemptive note, but not before running its leads through an emotional gauntlet. A bracing, knotty exploration of abuse and its impact across decades. Leave that aside, though, and you can still have a bit of fun watching their game of cat and mouse play out Positive Publishers Weekly Slickly twisty Although his writing is rather dry and academic, Reich gives a lucid, thought-provoking analysis of the public impact of charity. But, with drawings by the author, this seasonal fox-saga has a certain vigor.

This look at a lesser-known aspect of WWII is scrupulously sourced, well-written, and accessible. A middling account that may interest students of the Third Reich and the psychology of nationalism. Rave Kirkus Some of the stories are drawn, with startling and nauseating detail, from life; others veer toward magical realism or nightmares. Unsettling, memorable, and—maybe perversely—very, very fun. Rave Publishers Weekly Fascinating With thoughtful candor, [Shapiro] explores the ethical questions surrounding sperm donation, the consequences of DNA testing, and the emotional impact of having an uprooted religious and ethnic identity.

This beautifully written, thought-provoking genealogical mystery will captivate readers from the very first pages. Positive Publishers Weekly With measured, lucid prose, Loigman tells a moving story of women coming together in the face of difficulties, both personal and global, and doing anything to succeed.

Though it highlights historic advances for women, this book is really about gender discrimination in the home. Rave Kirkus More than many writers, McCracken understands the vast variety of ways to be human and the vast variety of ways human beings have come up with to love each other, not all of them benevolent Her psychological acuity transforms what might otherwise have been a twee clutter of oddball details into moving metaphors for the human condition Rave Publishers Weekly McCracken writes with a natural lyricism that sports vivid imagery and delightful turns of phrase.

Her distinct humor enlivens the many plot twists that propel the narrative, making for a novel readers will sink into and savor. Positive Publishers Weekly In this provocative analysis Lessig judiciously uses specifics to buttress his case The diagnosis rings truer than the cures.

Positive Publishers Weekly Accomplished Basically a lukewarm turn-of-thest-century family melodrama despite the intermittent, never adequately integrated references to a future wracked by climate change. The cinematic qualities of the imagery and the personable protagonists only go so far to elevate the mood of this capably written but emotionally sterile novel.

Rave Kirkus Deeply observed A harrowing story of politically motivated crime that could not have been better told. In her insightful analyses of these tales, Mayor is approachable and engaging, and she infuses many familiar stories with new energy in the context of technology.

She adroitly explores the ethical aspects of artificial life, addressing big questions about sentience and agency through the lens of ancient ideas. She also makes a convincing argument that these imagined machines anticipated advances that are considered cutting-edge today. A collection of wondrous tales that present ancient myths as the proto—science fiction stories they are. Mixed Publishers Weekly Lively Drawing somewhat obvious parallels with modern gadgetry—self-piloting ships in The Odyssey remind her of GPS systems—and latter-day sci-fi, from Frankenstein to Robocop , Mayor ponders questions of what life is, how robots think, and whether people can love a sculpture.

Could be a late contender for my book of the year. Rave Kirkus A deep dive into the deepest secrets of a one-family town and its leading family that sometimes gets murky, even exhausting, but is never less than enthralling. Fans will hope for a return to form next time. Readers will find Rose entertaining company. Rave Publishers Weekly Ingenious Fowler brilliantly mixes humor into a fair-play whodunit with an unexpected solution. More fully fleshed-out suspects, clues, red herrings, twists, and honest mystery and detection than in the last three whodunits you read.

Rave Publishers Weekly Schrauwen Throughout, Schrauwen explores and deconstructs the subjective nature of reality. This sophisticated, inventive story cycle never fails to entertain, and strikes plenty of cerebral sparks. Rave Kirkus A keen student of human behavior, McGrath took particular delight in observing the behaviors of the Basotho people A warmly humane memoir. Keep your friends close and their avatars closer.

This is a messy and sexy look at digital dating that feels fresh and exciting. Clive Cussler and Graham Brown. Positive The Associated Press The villain is diabolical, our heroes seem to have no way to win, and the action is relentless. In other words, the story is classic Cussler. The thought of the world running out of oil is terrifying, and that along with the wonderful cast of characters makes this one of the better entries in the NUMA Files series. The linear plotline is right on par with past books, which rely more on entertaining readers than trying to catch them off-guard with twists and turns.

Positive Kirkus There are great action scenes underwater and on the surface What makes her exceptional is the strength that she demonstrates in the face of adversity A moving work that demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the human condition. Asmaa al-Ghoul and Selim Nassib, Trans. An eloquent, provocative, and timely memoir. Positive Publishers Weekly Vivid and direct language This searching exploration illuminates the crossroads of gender and Palestinian identity. But then it can become harrowing on the same page Fifteen pages per chapter sets a brisk pace, but Dorren always succeeds in sharing his delight at the intricacies and compromises of human communication Word nerds of every strain will enjoy this wildly entertaining linguistic study.

This is a fascinating and earnest book. Lovers of fine art comics will delight in this worthy discovery. Positive Kirkus So it is that the entire history of Rome, republic and empire and beyond, has been punctuated by set pieces and legends, some of which the author debunks, others of which he illuminates The narrative sometimes runs a bit long, but Addis writes clearly and effectively, though without the flair of a Mary Beard or Luigi Barzini. Those enthralled by Rome will find this a worthy companion, if one that might prompt nostalgia for golden ages of yore.

Positive Kirkus The lead singer of The Who tells all—sometimes laconically, sometimes archly, but always unflinchingly Along the way, Daltrey reveals a few tricks of the trade Unaffected, lucid, and entertaining: One of the best rock memoirs in recent memory. Rave Publishers Weekly Vibrant, psychologically acute Students of inequality and demographics will find powerful anecdotal evidence for how the changing cityscape brings both harm and good.

The brief expository pieces that introduce each section give only limited direction. The technical discussion is enlivened by one-liners Mr Collier knows what he wants—but do voters want it, too? Rave Kirkus A potent argument The author is especially good on the forces unraveling shared identities, from the rise of smartphones and social media to declining home ownership among the young and my-country-first nationalism as opposed to patriotism A powerful, bracing call for a return to New Deal ethics in the age of Trump and Brexit.

Positive Kirkus [Strausbaugh] creates a suitably sprawling portrait of the city and its residents during the first half of the 20th century The parade of colorful anecdotes and character sketches, presented in a brash and sometimes sassy style, makes this an entertaining read. The author makes no claims to insightful social or historical revelation; the book is a pleasant visit to a confident and powerful city helping to lead its nation to victory in a global conflict, conducted by a witty and knowledgeable guide A passionate love letter to a city and era that have long since faded away.

Positive Publishers Weekly Lively This well-informed and vibrant history captures a pivotal era in deep detail. Positive Publishers Weekly James Ellroy fans will appreciate this grim portrayal of the hunt for a serial killer This vivid re-creation of a time and place may not be enough to make Chicago your kind of town. Positive Publishers Weekly Lyrical and potent Rave Library Journal Waleson writes with authority on the performing arts scene and what can go wrong in the management of arts institutions This engrossing study should find a place in both academic and metropolitan-area libraries and will be of extraordinary interest to opera lovers, arts administrators, and anyone invested in the future of the performing arts.

Rave Booklist A carefully crafted and impeccably researched narrative with nearly as much drama as an opera plot Required reading for opera fans and anyone concerned with the state of the arts in the U. Positive Publishers Weekly Gripping Positive Kirkus [Waleson] notes with cautious optimism that festivals, art centers, and small, nimble companies—including a recently resurrected City Opera—are striving valiantly to keep opera alive. A cleareyed examination of the economic fragility of cultural institutions. Positive Publishers Weekly Impressive selections Positive Publishers Weekly Myles The collection opens with a speech From there, Myles moves into verse, with short, highly enjambed lines evoking a flowing stream-of-consciousness.

Myles relentlessly questions, analyzes, and even loathes the self, combining fanciful reveries with non sequitur in the New York School style The poems express a forlorn weariness of contemporary politics Myles effectively brings vague feelings into sharp relief with surprising imagery Myles has long excelled at capturing outsiderness, and feelings of being lost and misunderstood are plenty evident here. Positive Publishers Weekly Astute Positive Kirkus The grim narrative leaves little room for light and none for humor The plot pivots on a senseless crime of passion, a surprising yet fitting denouement The historical context will be unfamiliar to most readers, but the issues, of good and evil, identity and fate, are universal.

As the varied pasts of these characters are illuminated, a hodgepodge epic of the Ottoman Empire emerges, half The Red and the Black and half a sprawling meditation on identity, power, and corruption Positive Kirkus The music industry is long overdue for its MeToo explosion, and this memoir seems ready to light the fuse.

No matter how sleazy you might have heard the music industry is, this memoir suggests that it was worse. Carvello is piercingly honest in this discouraging look inside the music industry. For a story centered around flames, there is no spark between the characters. Barbash seamlessly mixes real-life celebrities into his fictitious narrative. Though the central relationship between Anton and his father barely strikes any sparks, the book is packed with diverting anecdotes and a beguiling cast, making for an immensely entertaining novel.

Mixed Kirkus Bittersweet, nostalgic The downside is that those scenes throw the rest of the narrative a bit off-balance. Pleasurably endearing for anybody with a soft spot for pop culture, Annie Hall —era Manhattan, and somethingdom at its most freewheeling. Positive Kirkus Some of the text is unnecessarily obvious; few readers will not know, for instance, that the internet has grown explosively in the last generation, as the authors patiently explain.

But much is novel A timely, urgent look at a world of electronic sheep—and wolves aplenty, too. Positive Publishers Weekly Frequently funny, clever, and even heartwarming Though not a narrative in any conventional sense, this is a riveting concept and a challenging volume. A stunt more than a literary achievement; not without merit but requiring more effort than most readers are likely to want to give.

Rave Kirkus Mona is cleareyed and funny, not a reliable person exactly but a trustworthy observer. This is not a new theme, of course, but Beagin makes it fresh with her sly, funny, compassionate voice. This is a terrific debut Positive Publishers Weekly The book comes alive The result is a funny, touching look at loneliness and the search for belonging.

Also starring Schumann, Verdi, Debussy, Puccini, Schoenberg, Stravinsky and, briefly, some up-and-comers like Philip Glass and George Benjamin, all exuberantly presented for your edification and enjoyment. Rave Publishers Weekly Seventeen classical composers are celebrated in these insightful critical essays The result is an engrossing study that will appeal to both classical music aficionados and novice listeners who want a road map. Positive Publishers Weekly Dickinson packs a lot into this dense, multilayered, complicated epic, letting the story unfold through multiple perspectives, flashbacks, tense shifts, and other narrative devices.

As Baru juggles increasing amounts of trauma with an unrelenting focus on the endgame, she continually proves herself as a fascinating, morally grey protagonist in a complex world where conflicts take place on the high seas, in the ballroom, and in the marketplace. It all builds to a powerful cliff-hanger, with hints of much more to come. Positive Harlequin Junkie Beautiful Sinner is entertaining, emotional, and steamy. Sophie Jordan created strong, independent main characters who live for their families.

Jordan provided a unique story, conflict, heat, anticipation, and complicated family dynamics. Beautiful Sinner can be read as a standalone book in this series. Jordan is brilliant at creating vivid descriptions and using flashbacks to connect the lovers Rave Kirkus [An] insistent, memorable portrait Suggestive at times of a modern Decameron and a skillfully constructed epic that packs a tremendous amount of hard-won knowledge into its pages.

Positive Publishers Weekly Crisp Mixed Publishers Weekly Booker winner James kicks off a planned trilogy with a trek across a fantastical Africa that is equal parts stimulating and enervating. Though marred by its lack of subtlety, this is nonetheless a work of prodigious imagination capable of entrancing readers.

Positive Publishers Weekly Ecologist Oakes traces the slow death of the yellow cedar, alternatively known as the yellow cypress, in this significant ecological study Discussions of academic and scientific methodology, for example, can become dull. In these passages, Oakes admirably melds the professional with the highly personal, ultimately delivering a work of sensitivity and philosophical grace.

Hardy, diligent, and empathetic, the author makes vividly clear the difficulties of conducting multiyear field research on a remote archipelago Readers looking for a thorough understanding of the decline of the yellow-cedar tree will not be disappointed. The data are here, collected and painstakingly recorded by intrepid young people living rough, sometimes in tents and sleeping bags, eating dehydrate The canary-in-the-coal-mine image is a powerful one, and this book carries a potent message sure to resonate with conservationists.

He has continued guiding these scholarly workshops and classes flecked with humor for almost 20 years. This book assembles the best of them in a thoughtful, engaging way—at least to liberal thinkers—though the author sometimes succumbs to broad generalizations As provocative as it is amusing—an edifying journey through the mind of a major talent.

Rave Publishers Weekly This collection of speeches and conversations with Monty Python alum Cleese is not unlike the man himself: There is no unified theory of Cleese presented, rather something more akin to snapshots of a mind at work—but what a mind it is. Affection is the subterranean river that frequently bursts through the surface to splash readers and, perhaps, convince them to put down the money for tickets.

Rave Publishers Weekly Four scholars plumb the meaning and mechanics of presidential impeachments past—and, possibly, future—in this illuminating historical study Well researched, thoughtful, and engagingly written, this is one of the best of the current books mulling this suddenly fraught question. Positive Kirkus Despite the title, readers will find little about Harvey Milk himself Illuminating political and social history. As the unnamed waiter opens the narrative, he mentions tradition, alludes to regularity, and defines his role: That sense of joy imbues his vivid recounting of one historic, emotionally roiling year Nevertheless, Phillips conveys the relentless tension of a game A treat for avid tennis fans.

Rave Publishers Weekly This entertaining, excellent book from Goodman How to Be a Tudor provides a window into the nitty-gritty of daily life for merchants, street sellers, and others listed in the subtitle in — England Accessible, fun, and historically accurate, this etiquette guide will yield chuckles, surprises, and a greater understanding of everyday life in Renaissance England. However, there is a more serious undertone to all of this impropriety, one that regards appropriate comportment and courtesy rituals as the lubrication of societal harmony The book overflows with historical curiosities, interesting asides, and eyebrow-raising aha moments She introduces us to a wide array of locals and their simple lives, now interrupted by search and rescue operations.

Anziska displays an admirable understanding of the Palestinian plight, and his fair and equitable treatment is laudable and encouraging. Positive Kirkus Writing a compelling food memoir is a delicate act; the recipes have to live up to the memories they evoke. In the hands of prolific author Hood, the stories themselves are the main dish—but the food still has to be delicious A full plate of heart and hearty eats. Maria Gabriela Llansol, Trans. Gradually, however, it very much grew on me, as I started to appreciate what Llansol was doing. Clearly you cannot approach it the way you would a conventional novel.

It is about images and thoughts, about writing and nature, about the role of women in communities Llansol denied that her work was difficult but I think many readers would consider this book difficult.

Nevertheless, it is well worth the effort as it is a very beautiful book, superbly well written and a book that addresses European intellectual history and thought in a way that is rarely found in modern literature. Positive Publishers Weekly Stubbs expertly weaves granular encyclopedic detail into a sweeping cultural history in this astute and entertaining study of how a fringe music form entered the mainstream. In an account that sometimes strays into academic aridity and postmodern tropism, Martinez explores a terrible history that reverberates today not only because of family memory and local curation including a small-town Dairy Queen with a display of photographs of lynched Mexicans , but also because so many of its particulars seem taken from current headlines as refugees continue to die in the desert Timely and of considerable interest to students of borderlands history as well as of sociology.

Danielle Dutton, Renee Gladman. This experimental novel is best read in a single sitting and, like the photographs that inspired it, can be viewed in any number of ways, with a different effect each time. Ariosto is on a mission to discover authenticity, a relatively subjective idea, but he does not idealize Cuba, and he is refreshingly aware of his privilege as a white American man.

With his firsthand experience, Ariosto brings modern Cuba to life, with all its complexities and eccentric charms. Positive Kirkus A penetrating report A candid firsthand account of an island undergoing a shaky transition. Positive Kirkus Selecky refuses to work strictly in tropes.

Leaving Fantasy Land by James E. Parker

What begins as a killer satire opens up to some messy ideas: Spiritual teachings can be mostly bunk but partly useful. And Lilian herself has strange and lovely depths that she manages to plumb thanks to—or in spite of—the work A funny, tender, gimlet-eyed dive into the cult of self-improvement.

Rave Publishers Weekly The love-hate relationship between L. Readers fascinated by the town will find an engrossing trove of colorful, witty insights here. Positive Kirkus Numerous revelatory, odd, and entertaining juxtapositions. Like the city itself, the book mashes wildly diverse sources into an intriguing and surprising whole. Rave Kirkus Setterfield masterfully assembles an ensemble of wounded, vulnerable characters who, nevertheless, live by the slimmest margins of hope Celebrates the timeless secrets of life, death, and imagination—and the enduring power of words.

Positive Publishers Weekly Setterfield braids miracle and mystery in this marvelous tale The balance between sweet and bitter produces a complex and winning love story. Rusbridger ends on a note of hope—and concern: A lively collection, on the whole, from a man of the world who is most comfortable on his own turf. This open-minded, playful approach permeates his delightful essays. Rave Publishers Weekly James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, is partially back from the dead and hoping to earn his way all the way back to life in his terrifically over-the-top 10th magical slugfest The nonstop action and dark humor will thrill urban fantasy fans, including those new to the series.

Minor Queneau, but with enough rollicking merits, and somewhat special to begin with. Whenever one man falls asleep, the narrative immediately shifts to the POV of the other Precision can be a gateway to enlightenment: Paced like a fine piece of fiction, this is a handsomely written chronicle of an interesting mob character. Rave Kirkus Di Cintio first traveled to Israel in When he returned again in , it was to seek out Palestinian writers to learn how they, rather than activists and politicians, saw the Arab-Israeli conflict. In this literary travelogue, the author records his encounters with Arab writers from the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip Interweaving history and politics, the book introduces Western readers to the modern Palestinian literary scene while celebrating the rich diversity of voices that comprise it Illuminating reading from a highly engaged author.

Pan Publishers Weekly Di Cintio offers a powerful and perceptive reflection on Palestinian culture in a memoir that mixes travelogue and literary appreciation. This is a refreshing and hopeful reminder that on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are countless people who wish to live their lives free of the hatred borne of geopolitical conflict.

Positive Publishers Weekly Suspenseful, well-crafted Mixed Publishers Weekly Somewhat dated The fuse lit to ignite a James M. Cain—style atmosphere burns slow, and the clashes between Jack and V often come off as hysterical melodrama. The two leads prove less interesting than peripheral characters In this early novel, he may have created his own subgenre: Rave Publishers Weekly Luridly propulsive This disturbing book is a masterful look into the very instant when the truth of perverse human nature begins to shine.

In each area, the author documents the dreadful early record of the Trump administration, followed by a succinct history of the civil rights gains made against stiff opposition during the second half of the 20th century Positive Publishers Weekly Tautly told Positive Kirkus Fabulist elements, lyrical prose, and a chorus of narrative voices give this slim novel depth and breadth.

Paul Volcker, Christine Harper. An orderly, winning book from the economist whose Volcker Rule limits risk-taking by banks. Rave Rainy Book Reviews I usually like to hazard a guess as to whodunnit at the beginning of the novel or at least partway in. This time, I had absolutely no clue as to how the book would turn out The places, the food, etc. If you enjoy being exposed to other cultures, this book is for you. However, the absolute star of this novel was not the mystery, nor the authentic-ness of the setting and characters.

The development of the characters themselves was what really made this novel for me. Every character, every conversation is humorous, sarcastic and witty The complex, plausible plot is peopled with authentic characters, most notably the wry, pot-smoking, disillusioned Rocco Readers will hope to see a lot more of Rocco.

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Rave Publishers Weekly This anthology Overall, these pieces respond to a widespread sense of displacement and division by expressing a yearning for centeredness, as well as a fear that the hearth, and the sense of belonging it symbolizes, are disappearing from contemporary life. Thought-provoking, meditative, mournful, and comforting for readers who seek a connection to purpose and meaning, the anthology acts as a hearth of its own.

Positive Kirkus The author ably gets to the heart of the game, and if little of what he writes will come as news to discerning fans, there are some fine set pieces featuring battle-weary players and devious front-office types. A worthy offering for fans of the modern, increasingly embattled game. Mixed Beatdom A valuable resource for Beat enthusiasts We get inside his mind and gain a new perspective on some parts of the journey — presenting a pretty different take from what appears in the major Ginsberg biographies Alas, none of his journals from Czechoslovakia survive or have been found, at least , so that part of the book is padded out with letters already published elsewhere, and a half-hearted attempt which ends very suddenly to recall events that he had written some time later My only criticisms of this book are superficial ones.

It is Ugly with a capital U. The fonts used throughout the book are inexplicably horrendous, particularly for titles, footers, and the table of contents. Cutesy hearts are used to separate certain sections, and the crude retro designs near the beginning of the book are truly off-putting. The pattern more or less repeats itself in Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, and Poland, to the detriment of the text, parts of which were confiscated.

Editor and Ginsberg biographer Schumacher accordingly supplements his faithful transcription with some additional materials, such as letters and retrospective accounts Mixed Publishers Weekly Although Emma covers an impressive range of topics, her treatment is heavy on anecdote and opinion, light on in-depth analysis or factual information. Most of the book, however, feels underdeveloped, typical perhaps of a web-posted piece but not as well adapted to a larger print volume.

That said, the timeliness of the book and its easy reading poise it to be a likely gift buy to mark feminist friendships. Mixed Publishers Weekly Bitter betrayals, testosterone-fueled male rivalry, erotic temptations, and dizzying shifts in allegiance abound. The author supplies a lush atmosphere based on Middle Eastern traditions, but her characters flounder in facile and often contradictory motivations. Arian succeeds by rejecting men who expect her to give up her individuality and her sworn duty. The challenging language makes it hard to get into this otherwise interesting tale.

Positive Kirkus This is heavy stuff, but readers expecting a turgid, scholarly tome need not worry Throughout the narrative, Wootton demonstrates a consistent ability to make complex intellectual ideas approachable. Histories of ideas can be a snooze, but this is a surprisingly lucid examination of a dramatic revolution in human thought. Berry nimbly covers New Orleans in all its aspects over years Every major city should have such a guide to its past. Positive Publishers Weekly Evocative It will be fascinating to anyone interested in the cultural influence of entertainment.

This excellent analysis is cogent, accessible, and well-argued. Positive Kirkus Want someone to blame for Iraq and Afghanistan?

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Williams renders in chilling detail, Mary was raped by and consequently forced to marry the Earl of Bothwell. Forced to abdicate, Mary fled to England hoping for assistance from Elizabeth, who instead detained her and subsequently ordered her execution. Though parts of the story may be well-known to readers of royal history, Williams injects enough fresh viewpoints to make it a satisfying whole.

Edited by Leslie S. Positive Kirkus A gargantuan, extensively annotated collection of five cornerstones of American crime fiction that every fan will want to own even if they never read or reread them If four of the five selections are memorable mainly as period pieces, Red Harvest still seethes with an unsettling power Though die-hard fans may find it disappointing to return to these hoary landmarks, Klinger has provided the perfect gift for newcomers lucky enough not to have read its contents already—and the perfect excuse to wonder if a s sequel may be lurking around the corner.

Positive Publishers Weekly These five novels, all wildly popular when first published, offer a window on the world of manners and attitudes in America in the s. Rainer Maria Rilke, Trans. He is courteous, sometimes urgently effusive, his writing occasionally borders on the starchy. He recognises that the process of mourning is individual. But he tends not to focus on the person that has died In a sense, the contents of this book should be relabelled letters of non-condolence. Mixed Kirkus The letters included in this brief but dense collection are In each letter, Rilke addresses the death of the person in question, but he also uses it as a steppingstone to offer his own perspective on the ways in which humans are conditioned to die But for those just now discovering his work, the letters might serve as a disservice to the colossal beauty of his poetry Harper is faithful to the historical record of the Ripper murders, but his solution, which combines elements of several theories, disappoints.

Readers will hope Harper treads less familiar ground in any sequel. As in the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, a leading feature is the vivid, thorough questioning of a colorful cross-section of Londoners, here including brash Cockney boy John Richardson, inept but loquacious Dr. Llewellyn, and beat policeman Sgt. At length Doyle does indeed stir the interest of the serial killer who calls himself Jack the Ripper, and he and Margaret get close enough to him to rescue an intended victim Rave Publishers Weekly Roberts continues to mine both quotidian and existential moments in another deeply satisfying collection of simultaneously deadpan and poignant autobiographical comics, delineated in slightly awkward but appealing black-and-white drawings.

Roberts depicts moments of funny domestic life with her husband, Scott; their young daughter, Xia; their dog, Crooky; and her quirky but always supportive parents Her spare but evocative line drawings, with their generous use of white space, work in tandem with the direct and detached tone of her narratives, allowing readers to fill in the emotional spaces between visual pauses.

Roberts is a unique and nuanced storyteller, and this proves her best, richest book yet. Readers will come away with a cleareyed portrait of the author through the stories of her joys, sorrows, and intimate impressions. A powerful testimony to the determination and strength necessary to persevere despite assumptions, scrutiny, and societal stigmatization.

Pan Publishers Weekly Jessie Sloane, the chief narrator of this lackluster psychological thriller from bestseller Kubica, spends her teen years caring for her mother, Eden, until Eden dies from cancer at their home in Chicago. Numb with grief, insomniac Jessie tries to get on with her life by applying to a community college, but a college official informs her that her Social Security number belongs to a girl who died 17 years earlier Kubica fans will hope for a return to form next time.

Rave Kirkus Quiet, gorgeously put-together The metaphorical layering with regard to extinctions—the ends of things—is beautifully accomplished The various sad backstory details about old deaths, betrayals, and other wounds are teased out slowly and patiently, but that momentum is no greater than the more uplifting one: A really fine, deeply intelligent book with so much to think about and so much unexpected hope.

A final twist at the end fails to elevate this hard-to-stomach love story. Harper Lee, Illustrated by Fred Fordham. Assuming and shedding identities like a snake would its skin, Gracie somehow contrives to stay a half-step ahead of disaster, albeit not always believably. But while she may escape unscathed, her actions often wreak devastating collateral damage. Fascinated readers will keep turning the pages. An unusual female perspective defies expectations and, ultimately, entertains.

While recognizing the efficacy of political assassination, Bergman is also sharply critical of its use, which is rife with those unintended consequences and often involves the killing of civilians—leading, in turn, to the deaths of civilian Israelis A significant contribution to our understanding of Middle Eastern politics and its far-reaching effects.

Pan Publishers Weekly Uneven Smart, convincing dialogue compensates only in part for a trite solution to the murder and a denouement that strains credibility. Rave Publishers Weekly This gorgeous, complex, and magical novel, grounded in Germanic, Russian, and Jewish folklore but richly overlaid with a cohesive, creative story of its own, rises well above a mere modern re- imagining of classic tales Her work inspires deep musings about love, wealth, and commitment, and embodies the best of the timeless fairy-tale aesthetic.

Readers will be impressed by the way Novik ties the myriad threads of her story together This is the kind of book that one might wish to inhabit forever. Positive Kirkus In spare prose of great clarity Novik weaves in and out of multiple first-person narratives in sometimes-illuminating, sometimes-disconcerting or confusing ways A medieval fable of obscure moral import blossoms into a thoughtful, emotionally complex, absorbing drama that stands confidently on its own merits. Rave Publishers Weekly Each story in this poignant debut plays on how music is interwoven with the deeply felt emotions of its young characters, each of whom are poised at tipping points in their lives This stunning debut pulls off the rare feat of drawing about music with authenticity and charm.

Positive Kirkus As Wilson acknowledges, Graves has been the subject of several well-regarded biographies. Despite these sources, however, this biography offers a familiar, if finely nuanced, portrait of Graves, his family, and his scandalous relationship with the mercurial Riding A delightful and sexy take on love between a suave African prince and a nerdy epidemiology student.

After a strong start, the ending falters, but the chemistry between the lovers makes up for that slight disappointment. These disparate stories are woven into a beautiful narrative The novel reads like a love song to a tortured, desperately messed-up city that is undergoing remarkable transformations. Rave Kirkus One must hope that this book is a harbinger of a coming flood of other fantasies that draw on traditions and cultures outside the confines of Northern Europe Those accustomed to the usual run of epic fantasy will find familiar elements A very strong start for a new voice.

Rave Publishers Weekly [A] complex, affecting epic fantasy Thanks to the miracle of caffeine, the author delivers a stirring, nonpreachy sermon on gratitude.

Rave Publishers Weekly Mason, Mo. The language is smooth and the story moves along at a comfortable pace to a fitting, albeit easy, ending. This pleasant novel highlights the joys that can come from the little things in life. Positive Kirkus In this small town, truisms prevail over truth every time Psychological realism sacrificed on the altar of niceness. Mixed Kirkus Hey, what if a book was like Fight Club but instead of fights, everyone takes a heroic dose of drugs and plays superhero? This ambitious, half-cracked debut about Generation Z students struggling with a bent concept of the future in the midst of a slow apocalypse is an ambitious but acidic take on superhero stories and the price of growing up A timely fable of generational angst armed with that old punk ethos: Laura is an enjoyably flawed protagonist Though relatively young, Clae fills the mysterious mentor role perfectly, his secrets hidden behind literal dark curtains.

City of Broken Magic shines most brightly in the interactions between the three Sweepers, and fantasy fans will hope for more exploits in Amicae. Rave Publishers Weekly Comes to life thanks to a no-frills, working-class point of view that immerses readers in the world of the Sweepers This debut builds a fascinating setting that readers will want to keep coming back to. Mixed Kirkus The magic system is fascinating, but the worldbuilding can be confusing: Overlong and rough around the edges but still promising. Positive Dailymail I found the bizarre, gory tales in The Penguin Book Of Japanese Short Stories infinitely more absorbing than those involving the humdrum arena of everyday life, an area much more acutely handled by Western writers The earliest story in the entire book was written in Even though Japanese literature stretches further back in time than our own — they were even writing science fiction as long ago as the 10th century — the editor offers no explanation for this strange cut-off point.

Positive Kirkus Recounted with deadpan British wit and irony Newcomers are advised, however, that the frequent references to previous events and episodes may prove confusing even as they enrich the context. The one aspect that lacks real depth is the magic, which is flatly Harry Potter—ish Lively and amusing and different. Mixed Publishers Weekly More funny than memorable, with the plot overshadowed by the laugh-out-loud prose At more than pages, it is around twice as long as the norm for graphic narratives, and Anderson does a solid job with the narrative arc, showing how the young ardent idealist, educated as a physician, became synonymous with heroic revolutionary commitment, which ultimately led to his falling out with Fidel Castro On the visual level, it succeeds brilliantly, with the sweeping scale of the illustrations taking the measure of the man and his legacy.

However, the necessary abridgement of text falls somewhere between simplifying his story enough to capture a younger readership and retaining enough of its context and complexity to satisfy those for whom this would not be an introduction A valiant effort and a visual triumph, though the necessary abridgment compromises the depth. An affecting and original thrill ride highlighting the bond between two friends put in a horrible situation by actual Chinese government policies. While some of her observations may be dated, most remain relevant as she astutely holds fast to the importance of giving children honest, hopeful, and entertaining stories in a changing world.

Rave Kirkus Curiously fascinating Her thoughts on traditional attitudes toward sex, emotional attachment, and misappropriation add clarity and perspective to a narrative that reads as more than a simple discourse on bridging robotic automation and artificial intelligence with adult novelty.

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